The ramblings of the 51 year old Rector of St. John's Episcopal Church of Detroit.
Piety Hill refers to the old name for our neighborhood. The neighborhood has changed a great deal in the over 150 years we have been on this corner (but not our traditional biblical theology) and it is now known for the neighboring theatres, the professional baseball and football stadiums and new hockey/basketball arena.

Tuesday, October 04, 2016

First peek at the plans - Rector's Rambling for October 2, 2016

Welcome home! There are few sweeter sounding words next to “I love you” and “Jesus is Lord”. Our hearts and feet may wander, out of desire and/or necessity, but they yearn to return home eventually because, as the expression goes, “home is where the heart is”.

Today we welcome our parishioners, friends and guests, and welcome them home because the Church is just that. It is our spiritual home, and one that is open to all who come seeking to be nourished in Word and Sacrament. Just as we look forward to a loving welcome and a nourishing meal when we return to our abode, so too when we come to the Church we are welcomed by the Good News of Jesus Christ’s transforming power and fed with the best meal of Jesus’ own Body and Blood.

Today we have an opportunity to take a first public look at some of the initial drawings of potential building projects. The “drop off area” design, which will be located at the back of the office building, was primarily negotiated last year as a part of the lease agreement we have with Olympia. The new handicapped access to the church narthex (garden door nearest Woodward) is also being paid for by Olympia as a part of the original lease.

On the stage today, and for the next two weeks, are three plans to renovate the undercroft and office building, two of which add a second floor to the office building. Having gotten input from many parishioners before the plans were formulated, we welcome and need input from everyone so that all are included in making the best decision for St. John’s. Each one of these plans comes with a budget, so that will also be an important factor in deciding which project to undertake.

Members of the Building Committee and other vestry members will be available these three weeks to get your input, using it to discern our best course of action and to create a final plan and budget. Everyone interested in the project will have a say in its outcome. Most of all, we pray that these decisions fulfill our mission of “Knowing Jesus Christ and making Him known.”